Suicide Intervention
Suicide is the Number 3 cause of death among Americans. In the last 40 years the suicide rate has quadrupled. A high percentage of suicide cases are the result of post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Adults with a past history of emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse are up to 25 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Lakeside’s Adult Suicide Intervention Program is a unique inpatient program designed to reduce the risk of suicide by addressing psychiatric illnesses associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviors – especially mood disorders, addictions, and psychological traumas.
After a comprehensive psychiatric, addiction and suicide assessment, each participant is assigned to the suicide intervention program under the supervision of an attending psychiatrist. The total treatment team includes four clinicians: a psychiatrist, a psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma and EMDR and a community counselor.
The program includes:
- Extensive Risk Assessment throughout Program
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing based Trauma Treatment
- Interactive Lecture by Ken Tullis, M.D., F.A.S.A.M
- Continued Support System for Relapse Prevention
- Medication Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma Resolution
- Comprehensive Discharge Planning
Suicide Risk Factors
- One or more diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorders
- Impulsivity
- Adverse life events/traumas
- Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder
- Family history of suicide or suicide attempt
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Prior suicide attempt
- Firearm in the home
- Incarceration
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, including family, peers, or in the media
Facts About Suicide
- Suicide is a complex behavior usually caused by a combination of factors.
- Most people who die from suicide have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, frequently both.
- 85 Americans die from suicide each day.
- Males are at least four times more likely to die from suicide than women.
- Firearms are the most common means of suicide among men and women.
- Between 1952 and 1996, the suicide rate among adolescents and young adults nearly tripled.
- Between 1980 and 1996, the suicide rate among African American males age 15-19 increased 105%.
- Suicide rates increase with age and are highest among white American males age 65 years and older.
- Suicide is preventable. With the appropriate assessment and treatment, together with ongoing support, many can fully overcome suicidal feelings and thoughts.
